In OpenCPN charts are added by adding the directory (folder) that contains the chart files. This tab is where charts are added and removed. Read about the details in Installing Charts
Mark the chart directories that are no longer needed, press the button an then “Apply” or “OK”.
Use this option if you have made any changes to the contents of your chart directories, as for example after downloading new charts from NOAA, etc. It need not be checked if directories are added or subtracted, as the entire database will be scanned and updated automatically in this case.
Is mainly aimed at users converting or correcting existing charts, in a situation where changes are made to the geo-referencing, outline of the chart, or other attributes in the kap file header section.
Batch processes all ENC Charts to Senc format, which can take a long time and is not required.
The process converts all existing S57/S63 charts to an internal SENC format for fast loading. The button is there on popular request, and means that when completed, OpenCPN will not pause to process a chart when encountered the first time. Instead all charts are processed at once when the button is pressed. The process can take quite some time, depending on your system. If you have recently done the new conversion and add a chart, pressing the button will be fast as only the new chart is processed.
NOTE about Version 4.8.0: There is a new naming system for the processed files. It's a good idea to delete the SENC folder the first time you use the new beta, and then press “Prepare all ENC charts”. The only reason for this is to save some space on your hard disk.
Read more about Vector Charts .
Read more about Chart Groups .
Read more about Tides and Currents .